A Chic Affair

Dock 5 at Union Market

In a Nutshell

Brides scope out all the stuff needed to make their wedding unique at the booths of creative, high-end vendors, then take home a gift bag

The Fine Print

Promotional value expires Feb 21, 2016. Amount paid never expires.Limit 10 per person, may buy 10 additional as gifts. Valid only for option purchased. Must sign up in advance for DIY sessions; limited capacity. Event held rain or shine.Merchant is solely responsible to purchasers for the care and quality of the advertised goods and services.

A Chic Affair

Choose from Three Options

$15 for one general admission to A Chic Affair with a gift bag ($180 value)

$28 for two general admissions to A Chic Affair with gift bags ($360 value)

$39 for four general admissions to A Chic Affair with gift bags ($720 value)

A Chic Affair offers a curated collection of bridal resources from creative, high-end vendors. Brides can peruse a modern, stylish selection of apparel, jewelry, florals,décor, invitations and stationary, and cakes and confections needed to make their wedding unique. Attendees can also take part in an expert panel, fashion exhibition, and DIY workshops. The event is held at Dock 5 at Union Market on February 21, from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Wedding Toasts: Dos and Don’ts for the Big Day

Weddings aren’t just a big day for the bride and groom—members of the bridal party are often expected to give toasts. Read up on wedding-toast etiquette before raising your glass.

Engagement parties. Rehearsal dinners. Wedding receptions. At any of these events, at least somebody—whether the couple’s parents, the maid of honor, the best man, or even the bride and groom—will need to give a toast. These tips can help ease the anxiety of giving a memorable speech:

Don’t

Tell Inappropriate Stories: Above all, a toast should be casual and celebratory, more a commemoration of a joyful moment than a Friar’s Club roast. To that end, avoid sharing any potentially embarrassing anecdotes or memories that predate the couple—especially when it comes to their exes.

Crack Jokes About Marriage: Though a little humor is fine—and most audiences expect a joke or two—jokes at the expense of marriage are off limits. Like in any other situation, the old “Take my wife, please!” line will draw more eye-rolls than guffaws. And besides, the day is all about honoring marriage, not tearing it down.

Make it About You: A toast is no time to hog the spotlight. No one wants to hear the speaker solicit dates, talk about their own good deeds, or read off their entire résumé to potential employers in the audience. Keep the focus on the happy couple.

Do

Keep it short: There’s no reason why a toast should run more than two or three minutes. It’s even fine to cap it at just a few lines, giving people a chance to finally find out what’s at the bottom of their tables’ Cracker Jack boxes.

Rehearse: Unless you’re an all-star ad-libber, it’s best to write the speech ahead of time and practice reading it aloud until you’re comfortable doing so. Feel free to bring along notes, but remember to address the entire room and not the paper in front of you.

Be Yourself: Amid all the expectations of the big speech, don’t try to force yourself to be funny—or even to be poignant. Speak from the heart and be genuine and the love will come through. Still, save truly personal messages for a private conversation.

Customer Reviews

One of the most elegant affairs. Totally worth a visit to prepare for your special day or any event. I purchased the tix for my girlfriend, who said it was better than the Convention Center's Wedding Expo. Vendors were very nice and super helpful, and the food was phenomenal. Exceeded my expectations for sure.